Deal 'Saves' SRT Jobs In Dublin

Some 250 jobs may be saved at SR Technics in Dublin after it's Swiss owners agreed to sell to an Irish firm.

The takeover by Dublin Aerospace Limited would mean that 250 of the 1,100 jobs at the facility could be salvaged after the announcement that the Swiss-owned aircraft maintenance firm has agreed to sell the majority of its Dublin Airport operation to an Irish firm.

SIPTU Branch Organiser Pat Ward has welcomed the news but said for a Government investment of an additional €4 million a further 700 jobs could have been saved.

"The Government's policy in handling the SR Technics crisis has secured the minimum possible number of jobs and Ministers should refrain from clapping themselves on the back over the outcome," he said.

Mr Ward added that if Dublin Aerospace does take over the plant it is reported the cost will be around €21.2 million.

However, according to the union leader, the management buyout package that would have involved the workers as well, and led to the maintenance of the full range of facilities at Dublin, was rejected because the Government would not assist with helping finance the workers' €25 million bid. If it had, then 960 jobs would have been secured including those of 60 apprentices.

"The proposal would also have ensured continued employment for most of the 1,135 being let go on good pay and conditions.

"We will be calling on the Government to use its shareholding in Aer Lingus to ensure the line maintenance contracts issue is addressed in a way that maintains as many jobs as possible in Ireland.

"We also know the tendering process has begun for the sale the sale of the garage operation begun and again, the priority strategy for the Minister and the Department should be to maximise employment here," he said.

(DW/BMcc)